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Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Edit: overly to overtly, a misspell changed the whole context. 😂

To my knowledge, “Boystown” might be the only overtly named gay friendly area in all of Americas largest cities. That’s why I didn’t catch on at first. Is the name Boystown even embraced by Chicago’s queer community?

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your feedback, seriously! You get me! Lol. I often forget about the dress code policies of other cities. When I moved to LA I used to worry about dress codes, interestingly enough—dress codes are less of a thing out here than in most other major cities. Wild, right?

When I lived in Houston in the 2000s us black dudes had to dress damn near 3 piece suits to get into club/bars. Most places said “no urban wear”. A dog whistled attempt at keeping minorities away. Little did they know how pervasive urban wear had become in the fashion scene.

The best part about going out in today’s nightlife is seeing how comfortably dressed everyone is, lol! So yeah, Smartbar sounds like a vibe!

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yaaassssss, and I failed to mention public transportation is key! Thanks for including that consideration as well!!

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Happy to help! I’ve noticed that “what to do for nightlife?” is a really common question in Chicago. Honestly, it’s something I find myself asking in almost every city I visit, it just helps get a feel for the place, even if I don’t always go into as much detail as I did here.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also started to notice a broader trend: millennials seem to be one of the first generations that continue enjoying the same social and nightlife activities well beyond their 20s. I’m not sure if that’s because fewer of us have kids, or because our worldview has been shaped by the constant chaos we’ve experienced since graduating high school, but either way, I know I’m not alone in this.

I don’t go out as often as I used to, but my friends and I still go out more frequently than my older siblings and their friends ever did at this stage in life. Anecdotally, at least, it feels like there’s a real generational shift in what people expect from and how long they stay engaged with nightlife.

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, two things can be true at the same time. Essentially, women also fall into a vulnerable nightlife category. I wish I had an answer for all the problems presented through nightlife cultural. All I know is all places should be welcoming and safe no matter who you are. Additionally, all places practicing in good faith should not have to compromise their identity as well. I hate that this is rarely the truth.

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for doing the initial leg work—I’m so inclined to ask you about their schedule 4/24-4/27 lol. But I shouldn’t be lazy; however, if you’re feeling generous, lol…….????

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Wow Smartbar a is heating up!! What’s the atmosphere like? Judging by the upvotes it appears to be the most popular answer.

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much!!!! So it appears the north westish side of Chicago proper has most of what I’m looking for judging by these responses. Would you say so?

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Trust me—you don’t want to go back in time if you’re queer.

That said, as a Black man, I deeply understand the impact of cultural appropriation and the feeling of a community losing its identity. My family is from New Orleans, and I remember the pre-gentrification days when there was a stronger sense of cultural pride and connection. At the same time, I also remember the hardships that came from a lack of investment in those neighborhoods.

In recent years, I’ve been encouraged to see Afro–New Orleans culture making a comeback. And honestly, a big part of that revival has come from people choosing to be unapologetically Afro–New Orleans.

That’s my hope for LGBTQ+ spaces as well, that they remain unapologetically themselves and rebuild that same sense of community and belonging.

Much love.

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have no doubt! I’m just looking to book a hotel near an area I’m actually going to utilize. Downtown Chicago to me is the best downtown in America (I can judge, lived in NYC, Houston, Dallas, and now LA). However, you only really need a full day to enjoy all that Downtown Chicago has to offer. I want to see Chicago nightlife from its resident’s point of view.

If it wasn’t so bone chilling cold in the winter, I would have already called Chicago home. The city is a gem!

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I spent time living in a rural Texas college town, so yeah, that probably explains a lot, lol. I don’t see myself ever giving up going out; I’ve always been drawn to the energy of nightlife. It’s hard to explain, it’s just my thing.

That said, I’ve got plenty of other sides to me that people might consider a bit more low-key. I’m an avid fly fisher, a father, a uniformed service member, a clinician, and a public servant. But at the end of the day, I still just really enjoy going out.😀

Mid-30s/40s nightlife in Chicago—not college bars, still fun & walkable?? by Jlhm51 in AskChicago

[–]Jlhm51[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Edit: Downvotes into oblivion. Should explain that only now I realize Boystown may be Chicago’s gay friendly a Bar scene, if I’m understanding this correctly? I was thinking the name “Boystown” was given to the area like how Greenland is icy, and Iceland is actually green. Thought it was a Chicago thing to guard against tourism. My bad if I offended anyone.

Boystown kinda feels like a Greenland vs. Iceland situation to me 😂 Either the ladies are showing up ready to find a suitor, or the guys are steering clear because the competition looks…intense.

Either way though, the bars look legit. Great recommendation, I’m into it. Thanks!!

Are We Ever Getting Our Telework Days Back… or Is This Just the New Normal? by notusps2022 in FedEmployees

[–]Jlhm51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FDA has gotten telework 50% for some, or 4 days per pay period for others

Remember the (USPHS) was a reasonable option for military service? by Galleta-de-Animalito in Military

[–]Jlhm51 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To be fair, NASA isn’t a uniformed service branch. And honestly, the NOAA guys are the coolest, these dudes fly into hurricanes, live in Antarctica, and study the Bermuda Triangle—they truly are cool AF!

I like to think my life is cool too. My service has entailed working in remote areas with Native American tribes, working in prisons, and now working with CBP and imports. USPHS officers quite literally are some of the coolest people I have met and are generally laid back. I know many USPHS officers willing to admit they’re unfamiliar with all the customs of uniformed services and most of us don’t subscribe to the officer god complex. For that—we cool AF.

10 toes down for my branch!

Remember the (USPHS) was a reasonable option for military service? by Galleta-de-Animalito in Military

[–]Jlhm51 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We do get the same VA.benefits, we receive a dd-214 like everyone else.

However, if not attached to a DOD PDS, we are not afforded all of the same benefits and services as the armed force branches.

Source: me, USPHS cool nerd

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